Studying How Ocrelizumab Affects African American and Caucasian Adults With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis Using Advanced MRI and Eye Imaging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how the drug ocrelizumab affects the disease course of relapsing multiple sclerosis RMS in African American patients compared to Caucasian patients. This study focuses on using advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging MRI and optical coherence tomography angiography OCT-A to observe differences in disease progression and injury patterns between these groups. Previous studies have shown that African Americans with MS may experience a more aggressive disease course and more eye damage than Caucasians. The study observes patients who have already decided to start or recently started ocrelizumab as their disease-modifying therapy for RMS. Participants include 40 African American and 40 Caucasian patients, matched by age, sex, disease duration, and disability level. The study involves five visits spaced six months apart over two years, during which MRI and OCT-A scans will be performed to track changes. Participants will attend scheduled visits every six months for two years, undergoing MRI scans with contrast at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months, and OCT-A scans at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Researchers will measure changes in imaging results to assess disease activity and eye layer injury. The study includes safety monitoring and will collect clinical data to better understand how ocrelizumab works in different ethnic groups with RMS.

Investigating the Effect of Ocrelizumab in African Americans and Caucasians With Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis